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2000s-Now: The inception of social media

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2000s-Now: The inception of social media

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Since the inception of social media, individuals have had the opportunity to express themselves to vast audiences, potentially reaching millions who may find their content appealing. This phenomenon has witnessed a considerable rise in influencers, many of whom curate a persona that may not reflect their authentic selves. In contemporary society, a significant portion of these influencers attract young audiences, including minors, who are particularly susceptible to their influence. The phenomenon of influencer culture is thus a significant factor in contemporary society, particularly regarding its effects on the self-conception and choices of youth. Influencer culture plays a major role in today's society, especially in how it influences the identities and choices of young people.

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Facebook was introduced in 2004, primarily emphasizing personal profiles and the sharing of life updates.

In 2005, YouTube emerged, enabling content creators to engage with large audiences, thereby transforming ordinary individuals into prominent figures and, ultimately, "influencers."

Instagram launched in 2010, focusing on visual content and evolving into a hub for lifestyle sharing, product promotion, and trendsetting, which significantly enhanced the influencer phenomenon.

Snapchat launched in 2011, followed by TikTok in 2016, both platforms revolutionized of which changed how people consume short videos, paving the way for micro-influencers and quick, engaging interactions.

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Kim Kardashian is a prominent American media influencer whose entrepreneurial achievements have motivated many young individuals. However, she has also encountered criticism for endorsing materialism and unrealistic beauty ideals. The influence she wields can contribute to issues such as low self-esteem and a tendency for her young admirers to engage in constant self-comparison. Her influence shows the mixed effects of celebrity culture, where empowerment can come alongside worries about promoting shallow values.

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MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is a popular YouTuber and philanthropist known for his elaborate stunts, giveaways, and charitable efforts. Young people today are inspired by MrBeast's focus on charity and daring challenges. Yet, Mr. Beast's extravagant giveaways and thrilling competitions significantly influence his young audience, fostering materialism and unrealistic wealth aspirations. This focus on quick wealth can create pressure to meet high expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy among those who struggle to keep up. Many followers seek to participate in challenges or win prizes, often assessing their self-worth based on achievements and possessions rather than intrinsic qualities. Nevertheless, in the event of MrBeast's downfall, young people may struggle to reconcile their admiration for a figure who has engaged in reprehensible actions, potentially leading to a crisis in self-perception and influencing their decision-making processes.

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Kai Cenat is an American content creator, recognized for his engaging live streams and humorous videos on platforms such as YouTube. While his comedic style has garnered a substantial following, predominantly composed of minors, it has also raised concerns due to instances of controversial behavior. These behaviors include the promotion of pranks and chaotic content, which can be perceive as disruptive. Critics argue that this may encourage impressionable viewers to imitate risky behaviors for attention.

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Influencers play a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior, particularly within the realms of fashion, technology, and lifestyle. Research indicates that younger demographics tend to place greater trust in influencers compared to conventional advertising methods. These influencers frequently showcase meticulously curated lifestyles and aesthetics, thereby influencing trends that mold young individuals' views on beauty, success, and social worth. While this phenomenon can serve as a source of inspiration for some, it may also create a sense of pressure among followers, compelling them to measure themselves against these frequently unrealistic standards, which can adversely affect their self-esteem and body image.

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Influencers frequently showcase idealized representations of their lives, which can skew young individuals' understanding of reality and negatively impact their self-esteem. A significant number of these influencers disseminate heavily retouched images that establish unrealistic benchmarks for beauty and success, resulting in detrimental comparisons and mental health challenges. Moreover, the presence of sponsorship deals raises questions about the genuineness of their content, leaving young followers confused about what is real and what is just marketing. Influencer culture also encourages consumerism by tying personal identity to what people buy, making young individuals think that owning what is currently trending is crucial for self-expression and social standing. This leads to a cycle where self-worth is linked to material possessions, which can resort to impulsive spending and financial problems. It further reinforces the concept that worth is based on "having" things instead of "being" a certain way, which leads to shallow values that prioritize looks over real personal growth.

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Silva, Belisa. "Branding Lessons from Kim Kardashian." Swaay, 22 May, 2020

https://swaay.com/branding-lessons-from-kim-kardashian

Dela Cena, Mylene. "The Rise and Fall of Mr. Beast." VidPros, 6 Aug, 2024

https://vidpros.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-mr-beast/.

Milovidov, Elizabeth. "Do Influencers Have an Impact on a Child's Behaviour?" Internet Matters, https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/question/do-influencers-have-an-impact-on-a-childs-behaviour/#:~:text=As%20Internet%20Matters%20ambassador%20and,understanding%20of%20'real%20life'.

Li, Andrea. "Social Media Influencers Impact Teens." The Coat of Arms, Menlo College, 11 Feb, 2022 https://menlocoa.org/21222/a-and-l/social-media-influencers-impact-teens/